Definition of Monkey

Medical Definition of Monkey

1.
Origin: Cf. OIt. Monicchio, It. Monnino, dim. Of monna an ape, also dame, mistress, contr. Fr. Madonna. See Madonna.
1. In the most general sense, any one of the Quadrumana, including apes, baboons, and lemurs. Any species of Quadrumana, except the lemurs.
Any one of numerous species of Quadrumana (especially. Such as have a long tail and prehensile feet) exclusive of apes and baboons.
The monkeys are often divided into three groups: (a) Catarrhines, or Simidae. These have an oblong head, with the oblique flat nostrils near together. Some have no tail, as the apes. All these are natives of the Old World. (b) Platyrhines, or Cebidae. These have a round head, with a broad nasal septum, so that the nostrils are wide apart and directed downward. The tail is often prehensile, and the thumb is short and not opposable. These are natives of the new World. (c) Strepsorhines, or Lemuroidea. These have a pointed head with curved nostrils. They are natives of Southern Asia, Africa, and Madagascar.
2. A term of disapproval, ridicule, or contempt, as for mischievous child. "This is the monkey's own giving out; she is persuaded I will marry her." (Shak)
3. The weight or hammer of a pile driver, that is, a very heavy mass of iron, which, being raised on high, falls on the head of the pile, and drives it into the earth; the falling weight of a drop hammer used in forging.
4. A small trading vessel of the sixteenth century. Monkey boat.
A small single block strapped with a swivel.
Monkey flower, a second and lighter rail raised about six inches above the quarter rail of a ship. Monkey shine, monkey trick. Monkey trick, a mischievous prank. Monkey wheel. See Gin block, under 5th Gin. Monkey wrench, a wrench or spanner having a movable jaw.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)

Monkey Pictures

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Literary usage of Monkey

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1.Filipino Popular Tales by Dean Spruill Fansler (1921)"His version follows in abstract form: — A crocodile goes out to look for a
monkey-liver for his wife, who is confined at home. As the crocodile starts to ..."

3.Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: Giving the Derivation, Source, Or Origin of by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer (1898)"I will pay you m monkey'» money (" en monnaie de tinge ") —m goods, in personal
work, in mumbling and'grimace,. The French had a law that when a 'monkey ..."

4.The Journal of Infectious Diseases by Infectious Diseases Society of America, John Rockefeller McCormick Memorial Fund, John McCormick Institute for Infectious Diseases (1914)"monkey was inoculated intracerebrally with poliomyelitis virus September 4 at 11
am and fed the flies in both cages. He showed definite symptoms of ..."

5.St. Nicholas by Mary Mapes Dodge (1881)""It is n't exactly writing poetry that 1 want done," said monkey. ... monkey pulled
out of his pocket the mutilated poem of Holman's, which Ned had pieced ..."